A ‘Passion’ for fashion

Posted: Thursday, December 14, 2006

By LAURA FORBESFor the Peninsula Clarion

The weather is cold and the snow is sticking, but on Saturday night at Moosequito’s in Sterling, the models in the Passions Fashion Show were not posing in their thermal underwear. To the contrary, a group of bar staff and locals were showing quite a bit of skin.

The event showcased lingerie from the store Passions in the Peninsula Center Mall in Soldotna.

Models strutted through the bar to the music of Paul Davis in three rounds. Featured items included everything from long satin gowns to a tiny version of a Mrs. Claus, a red velvet number with white trim.

There was even some eye candy for the ladies, as they were treated to a male model in satin boxer shorts.

The folks from Passions hoped this might give local men some incentive to purchase something beyond flannel nightwear for their significant others this holiday season. Since the business is not necessarily a store you might think of for this time of year, Nuson Smith, store co-owner, said the event seemed like a great boost.

“We’re not the run-of-the-mill gift shop. People come in and buy gifts for their significant others, but most of our sales are on Valentine’s Day,” he said.

Kelly Katzenberger, who emceed the show, said purchasing lingerie as a gift should be a pain-free experience.

“A husband can go into the store and make no decisions because the people are so helpful. He’ll leave happy,” she said.

One of the models for the evening, Ashalee Bunting, said she got into the show by virtue of a friend who had volunteered her. She also made a pick for her choice of the lacy garments.

“I would want the pink and black baby doll. It’s satiny, so it fits well.”

In purchasing lingerie, fit is key. A few tips for the shopper who might not have experience in purchasing such items for a loved one:

· Learn your partner’s size. If you want to surprise someone, take a look at the tags on undergarments they already own.

· Think of your partner’s taste. Lace, underwire, Lycra: consider what will be comfortable to wear, as well as what might be visually inspiring.

· Ask the salesperson. If you feel a bit uncomfortable in a lingerie store, no need to prolong the experience. Finding the right items can go much more quickly with the help of the person who knows the stock.